准度

Start your undergraduate journey with an on-campus or online associate’s degree from Mid-America Christian University (MACU) in Oklahoma City. 在MACU, we are committed to helping students complete accredited, affordable degree programs in a supportive learning environment.

• 我们的 Accredited On-Campus and 在线 准度
  • Associate of Arts in 一般的研究
  • Associate of Arts in Pre-护理
  • Associate of Science, Network 管理 & 安全

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What is an associate’s degree?

通常, an associate’s degree requires the completion of 60 credit hours of general education courses and specialized coursework in a chosen field. The degree usually can be accomplished in approximately two years of full-time study and serves as a foundation for further education or as a pathway to enter the workforce in various fields.

The three main types of associate’s degrees include:

• Associate of Arts (AA) – This degree usually focuses on liberal arts, humanities, social sciences. It is often pursued by students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in these fields.
  
• Associate of Science (AS) – This degree emphasizes science, 技术, engineering, math (STEM) subjects. It is commonly pursued by students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
  
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – This degree is designed to provide students with specific skills and practical knowledge for direct entry into the workforce. It is less focused on transferring to a four-year institution 和更多的 on preparing graduates for immediate employment in various fields, 比如医疗保健, 技术, 或业务.

How do I find a reputable online associate’s degree program?

Choosing a reputable online associate’s degree program involves considering several factors to ensure the program meets your needs, provides quality education, is recognized by potential employers. Here are some things to research:

认证

Ensure the program is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency, which ensures the institution meets established standards of quality. 认证 is crucial for credit transfers, 金融援助, ensuring your degree is recognized by employers. In the United States, regional accreditation is considered the gold standard. 在MACU, all online associate’s degrees are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

声誉

Research the school’s reputation, including its track record of successful graduates, 教师证书, the overall standing of the institution. 了解更多 关于 MACU,我们 历史, our 教练.

课程

Review the program’s curriculum and course offerings to ensure they align with your career goals and interests. Look for programs that provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to your desired field. Every degree program page on MACU’s site also provides a complete list of classes and course descriptions.

灵活性

Consider the flexibility of the program, including scheduling 选项, course delivery formats, the ability to study part-time. This is particularly important if you need to balance your education with work or 家庭 commitments. 在MACU,我们 online associate’s degrees were designed for busy adults. 我们的 在线学生 finish faster and save money through:

• Taking just one class at a time in consecutive order
• Earning up to 30 credits for 生活经验
• Veteran and military friendly 选项
• 最低预付费用

支持服务

Investigate the support services available for 在线学生, such as academic advising, 辅导, 职业服务, technical support. Reputable programs like the ones offered at MACU provide comprehensive support for their 在线学生 to ensure their success.

可转移性

If you plan to continue your education and pursue a bachelor’s degree, verify that the credits earned in the online associate’s degree program will transfer to your chosen four-year college or university. MACU makes this process as simple as possible for our students.

金融援助

Explore the 金融援助 选项 available, including scholarships, 奖助金, 和贷款, to help fund your education. A reputable program like MACU’s offers a range of 金融援助 opportunities to eligible students.

Networking Opportunities

Although you’re studying online, consider programs that provide opportunities to connect with fellow students, 教师, professionals in your field. 在MACU, we are committed to helping all students establish these critical networks, which will prove valuable when seeking employment or advancement.

What are the benefits of earning an associate’s degree?

Earning an associate’s degree offers several benefits, which can vary depending on your goals and circumstances. Some of the key benefits include:

• Better career opportunities: Graduates with an associate’s degree can more easily access a range of entry-level jobs in various industries, 比如医疗保健, 技术, 业务, 和更多的. These jobs often have better prospects and higher salaries compared to those available to high school diploma holders.
  
• Lower time investment: Whether you choose to take classes online or on campus, an associate’s degree will help you enter the workforce faster than a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
  
• 灵活性：在澳门大学, all our associate’s degrees are available online, making it easier for you to balance your education with work, 家庭, other commitments. If you decide to go on for a bachelor’s degree, you can easily continue at MACU. Many of our four-year programs are also available online.
  
• 班级规模更小：在澳门大学, you’ll benefit from smaller class sizes 和更多的 personalized attention and support from our 教练. This applies to both our on-campus associate degrees and our online associate degrees.
  
• Networking opportunities: We are committed to helping all MACU students establish connections with classmates, 教练, professionals in their industry, which will prove valuable when seeking employment or advancement.
  
• 个人成长: As a faith-based university, MACU 教练 provide many opportunities for students to grow in their faith and in their critical thinking, 解决问题, communication skills. This is valuable in both professional and personal contexts.
  
• 获取资源: MACU’s on-campus and online associate degree programs include personal and academic support services, 包括辅导, 职业咨询, 库访问, 和更多的.

What is the comparative earning potential of an associate’s degree?

根据美国.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020 the median weekly earnings for someone with an associate’s degree were $887, compared to $746 for someone with a high school diploma and $1,248 for someone with a bachelor’s degree. Over a lifetime, the difference in earnings can be significant.

It’s important to note that earning potential varies by the specific field of study and occupation. Some associate’s degree holders in high-demand fields, 比如医疗保健 or 技术, may earn more than bachelor’s degree holders in lower-paying fields.

How do employers view associate’s degrees in the job market?

Employers’ perceptions of associate’s degrees in the job market can vary depending on the industry, 具体工作, the individual employer. 然而, many employers view associate’s degrees positively and recognize their value for certain roles and industries. As the job market evolves and the demand for skilled professionals grows, associate’s degrees can become increasingly valuable for both job seekers and employers. Some of the key considerations are:

与工作的相关性

Employers are likely to view an associate’s degree favorably if it is directly relevant to the job and provides the necessary skills and knowledge for the position. For instance, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in a specialized field, such as 护理 or 计算机技术, can make candidates well-qualified for specific roles.

技能与知识

Associate’s degrees can equip graduates with specialized skills and practical knowledge that are valued by employers, particularly in industries with a demand for trained professionals.

Pathway to Further 教育

在某些情况下, employers may view an associate’s degree as a stepping stone to further education, such as a bachelor’s degree. If an employee plans to continue their education while working, some employers may even offer tuition assistance or other support.

Will employers view an online associate’s degree differently than a traditional degree?

近年来, the perception of online degrees has improved significantly, many employers now recognize and accept online degrees as equivalent to traditional degrees. 报告 《安卓版客户端》, U.S. 新闻 & 世界报道, 高等教育内幕 支持这个.

Here are a few factors that can impact how employers view online associate’s degrees:

• 认证 of the program
• 声誉 of the institution
• Program quality and rigor
• Industry norms in your field of interest

While the perception of online degrees has improved, it’s essential to research your specific industry and potential employers to understand how your online associate’s degree will be viewed. Choosing an accredited, reputable program with a strong curriculum like MACU’s can help ensure that your degree is well-received by employers.